§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that Mr. A. Ocalan received a fair trial in Turkey or not; and whether they will ask for internationally acceptable conditions for defence counsel in any appeal against conviction or sentence. [HL3415]
§ Baroness Symons of Vernham DeanWe are aware of the observations of 21 June by members of the Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly on this matter. We are also aware of the concerns raised by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights with regard to the treatment of Mr. Ocalan's lawyers.
The conviction and sentencing of Mr. Ocalan are matters for the Turkish courts. We understand that an appeal is now pending. It is in the first place for the Appeal Court to review the outcome of the trial.
83WAWe are aware that Mr. Ocalan's lawyers have applied to the European Court of Human Rights for a stay of execution. We will continue to monitor closely this and other aspects of appeal proceedings. We have made clear to the Turkish authorities the importance we attach to all proceedings being transparent and conducted in accordance with due process. We have also reiterated on numerous occasions our opposition as a matter of principle to the use of the death penalty.